All afternoon, I cruised across the Aegean Sea, Skopelos Island to Volos town. Dockside, in Volos, we flew down the ferry ramp, Doraki and me in the little Jeep stopping only for a tank of petrol. We drove into the fading dusk, destination, Kozani, the closest large town in Greece nudging the Albanian border. Guided by a crescent moon and her companion, Venus, we negotiated the twists and turns of Route 3 arriving in Kozani at midnight.

But where to stay? Hotel Katerina said “No, we don’t take pets.” But the kind desk clerk continued.

“I have a friend at Hotel    . I think they allow dogs. Shall I call?” 

Once again, blessed by the kindness of strangers, I wandered through narrow streets and thanks to GPS found the hotel quickly. I remember days and nights 15 years ago when locating a hotel in a strange town would be nearly impossible. But then again, no GPS required more kindness from strangers. They never failed me.